KOMMANDANT
We are the Enemy. So are you.
KOMPLICATOR
KONNIPTION FIT
Kool Keith comes in many forms and many incarnations, but his style is distinctly his own. Just as there’s no mistaking his smooth lyrical delivery, his unparalleled imagination, and searing hip-hop prose with its underlying edgy beats, there’s no denying the incredible force of power that is Kool Keith. Whether as a founding member of the legendary Ultramagnetic MCs, or in the guises of his renegade rap personas that include Black Elvis, Dr. Octagon and Dr. Dooom, Keith has established himself as an innovative lyricist whose raps stretch the envelope to the limit while exciting and entertaining the listener. .. Kool Keith, nee Keith Thornton, first emerged as part of the legendary New York crew, the Ultramagnetic MCs. At a time when rap was slowly making the transition from B-Boy braggadocio to a more aggressive, politicized stance, the group quickly established themselves as lyrical innovators with such classics albums as Critical Beatdown, Funk Your Head Up, the Four Horsemen and later The Best Kept Secret. .. Kool Keith launched a solo career and through his various releases he explored his many sides, from the playful to the downright carnal, releasing such independent records as Kool Keith’s Sex Style, Dr. Dooom’s First Come, First Served and the on-going Lost Masters series. Kool Keith was one of the first artists to embrace Independent distribution as a means of creative freedom and personal integrity. In addition to his many rap outings and his infamous Dr. Ultra appearance for Sprite, Keith proved he was not averse to cross-genre experimentation and has collaborated with a wide array of artists, from the Prodigy album Fat Of The Land as the voice of “Smack My Bitch Up” and on the track “Diesel Power” to a recent collaboration with Tom Waits. .. Keith himself is not one to look back at his vast eclectic body of work, “I’m not about nostalgia, I’m not about looking back. If I made a hit, I moved on and never looked back…. the future is what I should be dwelling on right now.” – Kool Keith
KOOL KEITH
An original member of New York’s new-school pioneers the Ultramagnetic MC’s, “Kool” Keith Thornton is best known as a solo rapper. His signature style is stream-of-consciousness lyrical flow and complex vocals, two skills that earn him a perennial nod from the underground hip-hop community. The average Kool Keith album is peppered with bizarre, disjointed, even delusional or disassociated themes, concepts, and references. Nearly all of his albums incorporate a satirical dislike for more commercialized strains of hip-hop, as well as major record labels.
Thornton’s early career and lyrics with the Ultramagnetic MC’s often referenced his time as a patient of Bellevue, a psychiatric hospital, where he was treated for depression. With Ultramagnetic MC’s, his abstract style developed, maturing in songs like Poppa Large. He was probably the first rapper to create an alter ego, and then create an alter ego for that alter ego (Kool Keith v. Moe Luv). After the Ultramagnetic MC’s broke up, he expanded his resume, experimenting with new styles, including his self-described pornocore, known for pornographic imagery and brutal, abstract lyrics. Sex Style released in 1997, was the showcase for this genre.
Teaming up with Dan the Automator Nakamura under the name Dr. Octagon, Thornton again reinvented his image, recording the self-titled Dr. Octagon album (later reissued under the title Dr. Octagonecologyst) which was released by the English trip hop label Mo Wax.
KENT ROSE & THE REMEDIES
KENT ROSE & THE SCREAMING BULLDOGS
KEPI GHOULIE
Kepi is a genius. This ex-Groovie Ghoulies frontman is KEEPIN’ IT REAL, with his all new band and solo project. He’s been on tour for like 12 years straight. If you see them play and don’t like them, then you must hate fun. The terrorists win. Buy albums now. Don’t wait.
KEPI GHOULIE ELECTRIC
KEVAN EFTEKHARI
KEVIN BRANIGAN
THE AVONDALE RAMBLERS
The Avondale Ramblers have been thrilling music lovers with their unique brand of Celtic folk/rock since their stage debut on St. Patrick’s Day 2007 at Chicago’s Double Door.
Having shared the bill with The Tossers, The Proclaimers, The Young Dubliners and many more at clubs and Irish fests across the Midwest, the band released 4 acclaimed CDs with original singer Kevin Flynn.
Striking out on their own in 2016 with Dublin native Hugh Daly, manning the lead vocals, founding members Sean Mulroney (bass), Andy Gerber (guitar/mandolin) and drummer Fred Frey continue to refine their blend of folk, rock, blues, country and even gospel; all filtered through an emerald colored lens.
KEVIN M BUCK BAND
Kevin M Buck is a Rock/Metal guitarist. Kevin has a authored a guitar method book and has released 3 solo albums. Kevin teaches guitar out of his home in Lockport, IL and he plays in several local bands. He is the owner of Osiris Records and Eternal Eye Publishing.
KEVIN MITCHELL & THE RAINMEN
KHAïRA ARBY
KHARI
KHUPERA TUM
KICK BRICKS
Kick the Cat is Chicago’s most highly acclaimed fusion ensemble. Since forming in 1996, the band has been wowing audiences with their high energy shows. Their compositions are grounded in the traditions of jazz, rock and funk and feature complex harmony, odd time signatures, and extended improvisations. The group’s spontaneity and uncanny communication make each of their live performances a unique adventure in interactive music-making.
KICK THE CAT
Based in Chicago and Nashville, Kick The Cat is an internationally renowned fusion quartet. Musically, the band falls within the virtuosic lineage of classic fusion and prog ensembles like Return to Forever and Weather Report but draws on contemporary groove elements, electronics, and a healthy dose of humor. The result is a heady, yet approachable, combination of mind-bending rhythms, harmonies, and kaleidoscopic textures.
The band formed while in college in the late 1990s, performing one another’s unique and challenging compositions. At the time, the four musicians lived together and worked on their music while also individually making names for themselves in the Chicago music scene. Over the last twenty years Kick The Cat has released three full length albums of original material and has performed hundreds of shows, headlining and opening for national acts such as Umphrey’s McGee, Vital Information, Oz Noy, Jazz Mandolin Project, John Novello, Stu Hamm, and more. KTC has long been noted as being one of the most engaging ensembles to emerge from Chicago’s richly varied scene.
Drummer Kris Myers is a founding member of KTC (performing on the first two albums) but left the band in 2003 after being recruited by now-renowned jam band Umphrey’s McGee. He was temporarily replaced by Tom Hipskind (Hamilton, Brian Culbertson), but has rejoined the original lineup for the current album and shows. Guitarist Chris Siebold is a well known prodigy and in-demand session player in Chicago who has also performed regularly with Howard Levy and Garrison Keeler’s Prairie Home Companion. Keyboardist Vijay Tellis-Nayak has performed with many greats including Marcus Miller and Jennifer Hudson and was featured in 2007’s Keyboard Magazine for KTC’s Scramble album as Unsigned Artist of the Month. He is also one of the owners and producers at Chicago’s Transient Sound Recording Studio. Bassist and multi-instrumentalist Chris Clemente is one of the most sought after musicians and educators in Chicago and has performed with many greats including Jon Secada, Randy Brecker, and Kanye West
KTC’s new album Gurgle (due out June 2021) is a long awaited tour de force. It’s varied style takes you from 70s-style fusion to Rio’s Carnival, from dub-step to RnB, and from Zappa to country, all the while telling a story in a humorous, ponderous, and delightfully irreverent tone.
Chris Clemente – Bass
Kris Myers – Drums
Chris Siebold – Guitar
Vijay Tellis-Nayak – Keyboards
KID A
KID IS QUAL
KID MIDI
KID, YOU’LL MOVE MOUNTAINS
KIDS THESE DAYS
We enjoy positive vibrations and dope music.
KIDZ IN THE HALL
KIERNAN MCMULLAN
Writing songs to several people in particular and many in general, acoustic-soul songwriter Kiernan McMullan places importance on both honesty and melody as the foundation for his career. Ten years of extensive travel, performing, and crafting songs guided him through five music releases and over 2,000 tour dates by the time 2014 came to a close.
KILL HANNAH
KILL THE CLIENT
Killer Moon is a psychedelic jam band with classic rock and doomy sludge undertones. Extended instrumentals paired with ambient vocals make Killer Moon a must see for anyone looking to expand their mind and musical horizons.
The band was formed by Jesse Garza and Amaris Aviles in the summer of 2007 in Chicago. The group honed in on their sound for about a year before deciding to take their talents to South Florida to play for former cocaine cowboys and Haitian refugees. Garza and Aviles were in Miami for 2 years playing shows and living under the same roof until the two decided to move back to Chicago on Thanksgiving in 2010.
Upon their return to the Windy City, Killer Moon started playing shows at a break neck pace. In the winter of 2010 the band started jamming with drummer Chis Avgerin and this past summer he became an official member of the group.
Garza, Aviles and Avgerin are now recording their new album, Tunnel Vision, at Engine Studios with producer and musical wizard Sanford Parker.
KILLER MOON
Killer Moon was formed by Jesse Garza, Alejandro Santoyo and Amaris Aviles in the summer of 2007 in Chicago. The group honed in on their sound for about a year before deciding to take their talents to South Florida. Garza, Santoyo and Aviles were in Miami for 2 years playing shows and living under the same roof until the two decided to move back to the Chicago on Thanksgiving in 2010.
Upon their return to the Windy City, Killer Moon started playing shows at a break neck pace. The trio has recently started touring in the Midwest and continues to draw increasingly larger crowds in Chicago.
Killer Moon’s new album was recorded at Semaphore Studios and Electrical Audio with producer and musical wizard Sanford Parker. Self Titled Album was released May 2012 and can be purchased wherever available.Influences: the Doors, Black Sabbath, OM, Boris, Jimi Hendrix, Led Zeppelin
KILLER RAY & THE BOTTOM DOLLAR BLUES BAND
“KILLER RAY” ALLISON
“Killer” Ray Allison first broke into the blues during the early 1970s. Now a regular on the Chicago Blues scene for over four decades, “Killer” Ray has been an integral tour-de-force in bands by Muddy Waters, James Cotton, Koko Taylor, Buddy Guy, and Junior Wells. With a reputation as the hardest hitting drummer in the blues world, “he’s turned down gig offers from Eric Clapton, John Mayall and the late Gary Moore so he could fully focus his energies toward leading a band. In 1998 and 2000, Ray was nominated for the W.C. Handy Award as an instrumentalist.
Highlights of his career include recording with legendary rock stars, The Rolling Stones, Paul Butterfield and Joe Cocker, plus, a performance at Hilary Clinton’s birthday party in Chicago in 1998. Closest to this bluesman’s heart is his extensive work and commitment to The Chicago School of Blues, a traveling educational program bringing a multicultural experience for students, guest musicians and teachers.
“Killer” also leads Chicago Blues All-Stars, a musical revue that features some of the most talented, entertaining and legendary artists on the scene today. Together Ray and musical partner Chicago Slim, have created a singular sound that is uniquely eclectic, and reflects their lifelong commitment as blues disciples. On May 27, 2010, the Blues Hall of Fame officially recognized “Killer” Ray Allison as a Great Master Blues Artist.
KILLING KARMA
KILLING REVOLUTIONS
KILLING THE ENEMY
KILLOLA
KIM FRANCE EXPERIENCE
KaDi
KAFALE
KAI ALEXANDER AND THE HEAT
KAISERKELLER
KALU JAMES
KARAOKE DOKIES
KARATE HIGHSCHOOL
KAREN PAGE
KARLSBAD
KARMA WITH A K
KASEY’S POINT
KASPER HAUSER
Kastasyde was formed in Chicago in 2001 when guitarist Eric Kornfeind, vocalist Jarrett Roberts, and bassist Dustin Roberts came together in search of a common outlet for their musical aspirations. After completing the initial lineup with a second guitarist and drummer, the band began writing music and performing intense live sets throughout clubs and bars in the Chicago underground.
KASTASYDE
“Through years of touring, recording, and a constant desire to evolve, Kastasyde has shown itself as one of Chicago’s most exciting bands. Blending a mirage of influences including metal, blues, and rock, the band has created a sound that is unique unto itself. Kastasyde is currently recording a brand new album to be released in 2013, and will be taking their intense live show on the road upon its completion. Determined to be heard…Kastasyde is here to stay”
KATATONIA
KATE DAVIS
KATIE & PAT
KATIEE PAGE
KB DUO
KEEP OF KALESSIN
KEITH MASTERS
KEITH MOODY
KELLEN AND ME
KELROY
Kelroy is a five-piece alternative rock band that thrives on creating music and playing live. Born and raised in our Great Goddess Chicago. Our music is a mix of post rock, psychedelia and a whole lot of mood. Vocals (Luis Crespo), guitars (Omar Castro), bass (Jose Calvo), drums (Joel Gonzalez), keyboards and trombone (Vince Panepinto). With s3 elf-released three albums, Bloodshot Hungry Paranoid (2009), Somewhere Renegade (2011) and Beautiful Monsters (2015). we look to make more! Our music has appeared on public radio, including WNUR, WLUW, WBEZ, NOX live and Vocalo. Kelroy has performed throughout various venues in their hometown, including the Metro, House of Blues, Double Door, Lincoln Hall, Portage Theater and Joe’s on Weed Street. In addition to their local following, Kelroy has expanded their fan base with tours to New York, Denver, Milwaukee and Cleveland. They have been creating music together for over 10 years. 10 years has brought them here and you to them. They Welcome and Thank You.
KELSEY AND THE CHAOS
KEMMAN
KENLO KEY
KENNY KEYS
KENT ROSE
“He’s a throwback to the guitar-toting country troubadours of yesteryear and at the same time a product of the rock and roll era, certainly the only performer of his kind in the greater Chicagoland area.”
— Bill Dahl, author of The Art of the Blues.
KENT ROSE & KING KEVIN MARING
JOIE DE VIVRE
JOLLY KOREA
JONES FOR REVIVAL
Ohio grown – Jones For Revival formed in 2004. Ever since the beginning the band’s goal has been to re-introduce the improvisational aspect of music into groovy, upbeat tunes that audiences of all ages could enjoy. While covering many different genre’s of music (such as Funk, Reggae, Afro-Pop, Jazz, Disco, House, Drum&Bass) and with the amount of energy flowing through each members body while performing on stage, Jones’s live set speaks for itself. Throughout the journey the band has strengthened their ability to project a positive vibe to their listeners and has gained a following of loyal fans who share the same musical understanding and appreciation as they do.
Jones has played shows with many national acts including Further, Dark Star Orchestra, Keller Williams, Rusted Root, Gov’t Mule, EOTO, Tea Leaf Green, BoomBox, Blue Oyster Cult, The Everyone Orchestra, and Zach Deputy. The band also has their own annual music festival – JONESFEST – held at Ohio’s famous Nelson Ledges Quarry Park.
Jones For Revival’s live show captures the audiences attention through a transfer of energy which is channeled through each band member and shared directly with the listener.. Jones is a firm believer in the power of music and will continue to fill people’s souls with great energy for years to come.